Embryonic and fetal development of Punaré - Thrichomys laurentius (Rodentia, Echimyidae)

Abstract

Has a long time the known about the changes that occur during the development of a specific species arouses the interest of researchers. Due several favorable characteristics like small size and short gestational period the rodents have been used as experimental models. The punare (Thrichomys laurentius, Rodentia, Echimyidae) is a rodent specie native to northeastern of Brazil. Little is known about its biology and the most researches are related to the fields of epidemiology, because of its importance as a model for studies of transmission of Chagas disease, since many species of the genus Thrichomys are natural hosts of the Trypanosoma cruzi agent. The knowledge about its reproductive characteristics available in the literature is very sparse. In addition, data about the embryology of this specie remain unknown. The aims of this research is study the embryonic and fetal development of this specie using 11 embryos and 12 fetuses of punaré (Thrichomys laurentius, Rodentia, Echimyidae) in several gestational periods. For this, we will use macroscopic descriptions, biometrics, such as weight and size (Crown- Rump), techniques for histology, and scanning electron microscopy. Thus, the data obtained in this research will clarify and explain a little more about the reproductive characteristics of this important Brazilian specie. (AU)